The making of The Lift

Baihly Warfield WDIO
The bow of a sailboat heading toward the Lift Bridge
Baihly Warfield/WDIO

It took months to make The Lift. Starting in May 2022, a small group of people began meeting to discuss what the show should look like, the content that should be included, and our mission.

WDIO News Director Rob Heverling takes notes during a planning meeting.

Host Baihly Warfield and Producer Megan Graftaas took a trip to St. Paul in July to learn from the crews who produce Minnesota Live and Twin Cities Live on KSTP-TV.

From left to right: Twin Cities Live Host Ben Leber, The Lift Host Baihly Warfield, The Lift Producer Megan Graftaas, and TCL Reporter Kelli Hanson

Twin Cities Live airs on WDIO weekday afternoons from 3-4:30.

Behind the scenes of Minnesota Live
Minnesota Live Producer Mike Marcotte shares their planning process with The Lift Producer Megan Graftaas.

There are many elements to creating a new show, including content, graphics, and a set in the studio.

It took a few days to settle on the logo for The Lift.
The desk for The Lift was made locally and Lift-Bridge inspired.

The Lift airs weekdays from 4:30-5 p.m. Send ideas for the show to thelift@wdio.com!